//[Omote] is a Japanese word for face, or a mask. Face is considered as [mirror] that reflects human soul, a separation between Omote (exterior) and Ura (interior), and in Nogaku, Japan’s classical musical plays, performers use Omtoe masks to express multitude of dramatic emotions. As we spent more time on the project, we became more aware of its similarities with Nogaku’s Omote masks, and explored further possibilities through Integration of latest technology and classical Japanese art.
I always considered [face] to be the most delicate yet powerful medium for art. Make-up artist Hiroto Kuwahara said, "Face evolved with a sole purpose of conveying emotions, and it is the only body part that effectively communicates and reacts to the most subtle changes and conditions. It’s not an exaggeration to say that face is one of the most intriguing features." I totally agree with him, and got interested in the possibility of face mapping, its potential in expressing something extraordinary.// Nobumichi Asai
Omote is an installation that puts a virtual mask on a model's face and then carries on transforming it by projecting patterns and manipulating them in real time. Project is the result of collaboration between Japanese media artist Nobumichi Asai, makeup artist Hiroto Kuwahara and French digital image engineer Paul Lacroix.
[ designboom, Nobumichi Asai ]